24 VIRGINIA FORESTS As the Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the impact that the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation (VFEF) has had on our students and the field of forestry and natural resources. Established by forward-thinking visionaries in 1958, VFEF’s enduring commitment to youth education and scholarship support is a testament to the power of giving, paying it forward, and nurturing future generations. The world has changed a lot since 1958—but VFEF has not, and the foundation has stood the test of time in support of forestry education and investment in our youth. If we don’t do it, who will? In the world of forestry, we understand the long-term nature of our work. We know the importance of site preparation, selecting the right seedlings, management regimes over time, and nurturing tree and forest growth for a successful outcome and as an expression of our commitment for a sustainable future. In much the same way, VFEF has been planting the seeds of knowledge and opportunity in the hearts and minds of our students. These young individuals, our “saplings,” are nurtured by the generosity of VFEF’s supporters, and they are growing into future leaders and stewards of our forest resources and natural resources. VFEF’s impact on our college cannot be overstated. VFEF serves as the single largest source of scholarship support for students in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Conservation, and Sustainable Biomaterials. Thanks to VFEF, hundreds of students have been able to pursue their academic passions and dreams, alleviating financial burdens and providing access to transformative educational experiences. I’m thankful to VFEF, and also thankful to our faculty, who deliver superior forestry and natural resources education at Virginia Tech. The founders of VFEF, who had the vision to establish this foundation over six decades ago, sowed the seeds of opportunity that continue to benefit our students today. Just as they understood the importance of sustainable practices in forestry, VFEF carries on their legacy by nurturing the growth of future generations. The founders’ foresight has borne fruit in the form of graduates who have become leaders, educators, researchers, and advocates for the responsible management of our forests and natural resources. As someone who knows many VFEF board members personally, including alumni of our college, I am humbled by the commitment and passion they bring to this cause. Their dedication, along with the countless volunteers who work tirelessly to raise support for VFEF annually, embodies the joy of giving. It is the joy of knowing that every contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to transform a life and create a brighter future. Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment is the appreciative recipient of $170,000 in scholarship awards from the Virginia Forestry Education Foundation. Five of the nearly 20 scholarship recipients are pictured with Dean Paul Winistorfer. (Front row, from left: Moriah Owen, VFEF William August Stuermann and Mable Beard Stuermann Scholarship; Callie Kipper, VFEF Morgan Lumber Co. Scholarship; Emily Zimmerman, VFEF John F. Hosner Scholarship; (back row) Morgan Bright, VFEF Morgan Lumber Co. Scholarship; Dylan Ogburn, VFEF William August Stuermann and Mable Beard Stuermann Scholarship; and Dr. Paul Winistorfer) Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation Update Through My Eyes Cultivating Tomorrow’s Forestry Leaders and The Vital Role of the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation By Paul Winistorfer, Dean, College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech
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